Category: Mind Mill

Improvement Vs Perfection

“Strive for continuous improvement than perfection.” – Kim Collins

I remember I was playing a online game with a couple of friends, we got to a point that we had a good team going on to a point that one of my friends said “Perfect”. (Side note: The game was Overwatch) But despite having that “perfect” team, we wont a lot of games but not all of them. We told previously before that we couldn’t be perfect, so it begs to question then why should we even get better? I came across it is impossible to understand everything out there in the world, then why should we try.

It was the philosophy of a seminarian that I know, who said what was the reason behind it. For example of a pianist. A human pianist despite hitting the key the right note, in the right tone, and at the time time, may seem perfect, but if one person doesn’t like listening to the piano, doesn’t that mean it equate to a failure on the pianist. At the same time, the pianist may be dis-satisfied with the result, despite the average listening thinking of it perfect. It is a view of perspective (which I will discuss at a different time), but additional thing to think about is the reason why the pianist, or anyone is doing what they are doing. Maybe he is doing because he likes the idea that people enjoy the piano, to fall in love with the piano, so the pianist plays for the people. He will improve for the sake of the people.

Nara Temple Garden
“Fallen” Gardens at Nara Temple 2017

Taking the example of my self, I enjoy doing is photography. I know that every picture I take wouldn’t be considered as a master piece, and it be along while till I achieve success as a photographer. But I still do it because it gives me satisfaction and at the same time I would like people see the world through my lens. In another aspect, I know my self won’t be a perfect supervisor. Leadership bears a lot of problems, sacrifice, and hardship. But the reward of leading a group of people to success out ways all of that. I want to continuous improve my self as leader to continuous create success in other people. Striving for perfection seems futile, but striving for improvement, makes the purpose in our lives a bit more meaningful.

It goes back to why should we be doing a job, task, or responsibility? Does it contribute to our overall general goal? Will it improve me?

Confession

A confession from a Millennial

“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”
– George Santayana

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I have a confession to make. I am an American Millennial. There I said it, I am a millennial, generation Y. A late product of the generation baby boomer era. A generation that went through several presidential terms, that saw the rebellion of generation X, and are entering an environment that the baby boomers left for us.

We are the generation that saw Twin Towers fall, and thus continuing the debate of what is right, wrong, and American. We are the generation that saw the birth of the internet, along the different social networks that came with it. The change of economy and society became swifter, stronger, and scarier. We became the generation that all our parents told us that the future we are currently living was in our hands. We are the generation of the Millennial.

As I sit in front of my computer, drinking my coffee with all it additives, a creation of a need to feel different but also conforming to societies ways, I turn 31. At this age, some say I accomplish a lot. I hold a position of authority, that so much of my generation seek. I am at a stable and settled point in my life. But being at the top I noticed something about my generation in the professional field.

Some of the people in this generation are still struggling, be it getting to the top, or just surviving daily against the travesties of life. So, what causes the struggle? Lack of opportunities? experience? monies? Is it all based on luck or hard work and determination? Many factors contribute this. I got through some obstacles use some strategic tactics and some risky gambling.

At the same time, there are managers, like myself, who are working with this generation, the previous, & future generations. Like parenting, there is no hard wire written book on how we should we be approaching managing much more working with these generations. Looking at the generation as a whole we can make some generalize statements, at the same time, each individual is different bringing their own little story of how and more importantly why they got where they are.

That what I feel is important, hearing everyone’s stories. So everybody, what’s your story?